April Fool’s Day is in full swing, and many retailers have jumped at the chance to play a joke. Retail Gazette looks at the companies fooling shoppers below.
Currys sells curries
Currys has unveiled a new “Currys for Tech” initiative to mark 1 April, allowing shoppers to swap their unwanted e-waste for a spicy dish from its purple food truck.
The retailer joked that the launch had followed a high number of consumer requests for the retailer to actually stock curries.
Brand and marketing director for the business Dan Rubel said: “Many customers come to us looking confused and asking for a curry, but Lamb Rogan Josh lovers and Chicken Faal fans often leave empty handed.
“We decided enough is enough of feeling like the fool so we are trialling our Curries for Tech scheme, allowing shoppers to help save e-waste from landfill whilst also getting their curry kick for free, at Currys.”
Aldi creates LoveAisleland
Aldi announced this morning that it had created a brand-new reality TV show – Love Aisleland – with shoppers able to apply for their chance to find love in the supermarket aisle.
The discounter suggested that participants might be able to find their Specialguy in its stores.
Aldi has since released a tongue-in-cheek apology, which says: “Although the idea was carefully reviewed within the business, it was seemingly not shown to legal. This was by no means ‘on purpose’ or ‘because they kill all the fun’.”
The post goes on to say: “Because of this, our boss has now confirmed that legally the show cannot go ahead and that although we give off the vibe that we love court cases, they are incredibly costly and going forward with this plan would not be “within our best interest”. We are, however, committed to the idea of finding love in the aisles and hope that you will continue to join us in store to find your one true match. It might just have to be Mr Ribeye instead of Mr Right.”
Poundland lets shoppers ‘click-and-sniff’
Poundland has debuted new “click-and-sniff” technology, claiming shoppers on its website will be able to experience the aroma of its new fragrance ranges from home.
The discount retailer said its impressive new tech was powered by an AI algorithm, as each of the fragrances in its ranges had been digitised so they could be smelled by shoppers with a simple click.
Poundland & Dealz director of digital Tom Hill said: “In just a few short months we’ve put thousands of Poundland customers’ favourite items online for home delivery – and our new click-and-sniff opens up a whole new opportunity for us to replicate the in-store experience online.
“Our fragrance ranges are well known for being incredible value with similar scents to the big brands. We’re now letting customers experience that for themselves.”
Ryman’s tasty new pens
Stationery retailer Ryman has unveiled a range of breakfast-scented gel pens for 1 April, with fragrances including Smoky Bacon Pink, Burnt Black Pudding and Bright Baked Bean.
The retailer insisted the pens contain real extracts of bacon, sausage, fried egg and more, and even needed to be kept in the fridge once opened and used within three days.
Ryman head of marketing Chloe Danskin said: “Get ready to make your pencil case as delicious as a morning fry-up, as we’ve cooked up a tasty new stationery range that smells good enough to eat.
“Breakfast is officially the UK’s number-one meal, so we’re helping Brits enjoy an all-day buffet of their favourite morning meal. Who wouldn’t enjoy a whiff of grease and meat as they sizzle and scribble through the workday?”
She added: “We’re confident that our new Breakfast Scented Gel Pens reek of success, offering Brits a hearty sniff of breakfast with every pen stroke.”
Toolstation launches perfume for tradies
Toolstation has opted for another scent-based gag as it launches a new range of perfumes for tradies – with fragrances including Sawdust Seduction, Plumbers Paradise, and Welding Whisper.
Leon debuts aioli-flavoured toothpaste
Aioli moly! Leon has introduced its new Aioli Brite toothpaste for garlic lovers everywhere.
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Switching up classic minty flavour for with extra bite, the casual dining chain promises this toothpaste with “take your breath away” and leave you with the taste of garlic all day long.
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